Mirra Andreeva complained to umpire Kader Nouni during her Madrid Open semi-final win over Hailey Baptiste.
The Russian was furious with a decision made by the electronic line call system.
Approaching the umpire’s chair, Andreeva complained to Nouni, but the Frenchman explained he was not allowed to overrule the decision.
Do you think Mirra Andreeva is more likely to win the French Open than Iga Swiatek?
Mirra Andreeva is into the Madrid Open final…
After the match, former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli delivered her verdict on the controversy.
Marion Bartoli calls for tennis to think of a ‘better system’ after Mirra Andreeva’s electronic line call complaint
During Sky Sports’ post-match coverage, Bartoli said the following.
“I didn’t like that call, I have to say,” she said.
“Part of me reminded myself I’m not a player anymore, but when I see a massive gap between the line and the mark, from where I’m sitting, it means the ball is absolutely and definitely out, and I can understand the frustration from Mirra [Andreeva] in that moment.
“The problem is they can’t change it; they have to go with the technology calling the ball.
“I think long-term, they will maybe have to come back to the drawing board and think of a better system.”
Andreeva isn’t the only player to have complained about the electronic line calls this tournament, as world number two Elena Rybakina claimed the system was ‘wrong’ during her third-round win.
Bartoli believes the system needs to change, but was impressed by the way Andreeva kept her composure.
“I think that was the key because again, she was in full control, she broke relatively early in the first set, and was really moving on in the set because of that serve quality, and Hailey Baptiste was not able to figure it out,” said Bartoli.
“But towards the end of that second set, things got really, really intense.
“I think if she had not kept that composure throughout the match, she might not have been able to handle that moment as well as she did.”
Andreeva stayed calm and booked her place in the Madrid Open final, where she will meet either Marta Kostyuk or Anastasia Potapova.
What Marion Bartoli noticed Conchita Martinez doing during Mirra Andreeva’s semi-final win
Bartoli was keeping a close eye on Andreeva’s coach, Conchita Martinez throughout the match.
“I was watching Conchita [Martinez] after every single point; she couldn’t stay still,” said Bartoli.
“Fist bumping, jumping up, I think she had all the emotions going on!
“But that’s why we love this sport.”
Martinez has been through it all this tournament, watching her player battle her way through to the final.
Mirra Andreeva at the 2026 Madrid Open
- Madrid Open 2R [WIN] vs Panna Udvardy, 7-5, 6-2
- Madrid Open 3R [WIN] vs Dalma Galfi, 6-3, 6-2
- Madrid Open 4R [WIN] vs Anna Bondar, 6-7, 6-3, 7-6
- Madrid Open QF [WIN] vs Leylah Fernandez, 7-6, 6-3
- Madrid Open SF [WIN] vs Hailey Baptiste, 6-4, 7-6
- Madrid Open F vs Marta Kostyuk/Anastasia Potapova
Allowing a 5-1 third-set lead to slip against Anna Bondar, Andreeva said she was not a champion, comments that frustrated Martinez.
“It’s very difficult,” she said.
“I think I even yelled at her yesterday
“Luckily, I was a bit far away, I didn’t hear what she was saying, but then I saw the video…
“Being with her, encouraging her, and trying to get her out of that situation is very, very difficult.”
Martinez will be hoping Andreeva keeps her emotions in check when she returns for the final on Saturday.
